Adequan
By Dr. Karen Burgess

What are symptoms of arthritis in pets?

“Slowing down”, fatigue, difficulty rising, reluctance to go up and down stairs or jump, abnormal aggression, and lagging behind on normal length walks may all be signs of joint pain and/or arthritis.

What is Adequan?

Adequan is an injectable polysulfatated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG or GAG). In common terms, it is an injectable medication that when given regularly, acts as a lubricant and inhibitor of proteins that damage joint cartilage. Adequan provides the joints with chondroitin, a GAG that helps with compression in the joint. It also allows for production of collagen which helps create building blocks to make new cartilage. In summary, Adequan protects and helps rebuild joints slowing down the development of osteoarthritis

How is Adequan given?

Adequan is given as an injection either in the muscle or under the skin (subcutaneously). The dose is tapered down from twice weekly initially, to once monthly. These shots are typically not painful and relatively easy for owners to administer at home with some instruction. It is important to understand the annual cost of Adequan is significantly less than the initial four months due to this tapering dose.

What benefits are seen with Adequan usage?  What are the potential risks?

Adequan is a chronic joint pain supportive medication. Pets that benefit from Adequan typically show increased mobility, decreased pain, and overall improvement in arthritis symptoms. This improvement can take several weeks to appreciate. In cats, Adequan is one of the safest available arthritis management tools available. Very rarely, pets are sore at the site of injection for a short period after administration. This is much less likely with subcutaneous injection.